Dolly Parton’s close friends are deeply concerned about her health following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, fearing she could succumb to “heartbreak.” The country music legend, who has been battling depression since Dean’s death, is also dealing with various health issues, including high blood pressure and brittle bones. Parton has faced significant health struggles in the past, such as her 1980s collapse due to endometriosis and a bout with Bell’s palsy in 2019. Her friends are particularly worried that the emotional toll of losing Carl, who had been by her side for nearly 59 years, may worsen her physical condition.
Experts like Dr. Gabe Mirkin suggest that grief and stress can increase the risk of heart issues and other health problems, especially for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.
Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, after suffering from Alzheimer’s, gradually lost recognition of Parton, and she dedicated herself to caring for him until the end. Now, she feels more isolated than ever, holding onto memories of Carl and seeking solitude. However, she made her first public appearance on March 14, 2025, during Dollywood’s opening celebration, where she expressed her love for Carl and the deep sadness she feels from his passing.
